January 2015
Play Big Des Moines Hoover’s Chris King is proving great things can come in small packages. Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register
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CONTRIBUTORS Rush Nigut President
rush@sportsspotlight.com
John Streets Business Operations john@sportsspotlight.com
Tony Atzeni Programming Director tony@sportsspotlight.com
Tork Mason Editor-In-Chief
editor@sportsspotlight.com
Peter Tarpey Sales Director peter@sportsspotlight.com
Giuliana lamantia Graphics art@sportsspotlight.com
Darrin Cline Reporter
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YEAR IN REVIEW
A look back at the year that was in 2014.
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UNHERALDED TRAILBLAZER
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SIBLING RIVALRY
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WIDE OPEN AFFAIR
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PHOTOS OF THE YEAR
Center Point-Urbana’s Brock Rathbun became the school’s first state wrestling champion last year, but he’s still flying under the radar.
Perry’s Claire and Grace Marburger developed their passion for basketball competing against each other in the driveway. Now they’re leading the Jayettes in the gym.
Class 3A is a free-for-all in girls basketball, with a slew of talented teams battling to distinguish themselves.
Our favorite shots from 2014.
Editor’s Note: In this issue, we highlight Des Moines Hoover’s Chris King, who’s keyed a 7-0 start for the Huskies on the hardwood. Also read
about Perry’s Claire and Grace Marburger, two sisters who competed against one another in the driveway and now hope to lead the Jayettes to the state tournament. Also catch up on the Midwest High School Hockey League and the parity in Class 3A girls basketball, where a slew of teams are forming a deep field of quality teams. We also highlight Center Point-Urbana’s Brock Rathbun, who, despite winning a state title in 2014, is still unheralded statewide. And be sure to check out our look back at the year that was in 2014, including our photos of the year!
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Youth
BE A SPORT
Athletes should use their power off the field to end bullying. Nancy Justis | Contributor
The start of the school year brings practice for student-athletes involved in competitive sports. It’s an exciting time, but it also can be challenging for those kids who have been left out of the circle for one reason or another — too smart, too awkward, too poor — or for no reason at all. They are the ones subjected to hazing and bullying, a practice that unfortunately has become far too common. Student-athletes have power not just on the field or court; right or wrong, they are considered the cream of the crop, part of the in-crowd, a circle everyone hopes to be a part of. They are idolized by peers and those younger than themselves. They should use that power and influence to end bullying and hazing, whether it be in a team situation or in the school’s hallways. Many instances of bullying occur and continue because witnesses stand by without intervening, lacking the courage or moral fortitude to become involved. But that’s what it takes — the courage to stand up publicly and say, “this isn’t right and I’m not going to let this go on anymore”. A “Pursuing Victory With Honor” Sportsmanship Blog tells of an Arizona high school football team which took a stand when a female special needs student was a victim of continual bullying. Her mother called a member of the team, who was also a friend of the family, hoping he could tell her who was making her daughter so miserable at school. The boy did more than that. He invited the girl to sit with him and his friends at lunch to ensure her safety and throughout the day they looked after her. The bullying stopped. Easy. Problem solved. The solution isn’t always that easy and doesn’t have to be that involved, though. Directing a certain look towards an offender or asking a pointed question may stop the hazer in their tracks. Jim Thompson, founder of Positive Coaching
Alliance, a national non-profit organization helping to build “Better People, Better Athletes”, gives several suggestions on how to prevent bullying in his book, “Elevating Your Game”. First, he says in his book, mentor younger athletes. “If you reach out to less skilled or younger teammates[...]you will have a huge impact on how they feel about themselves and on their confidence on the playing field[...]This might entail simply saying hello to them, showing interest in them on campus or before practice, or ‘taking them under your wing’ to mentor them throughout the season.” Include the excluded. Joe Ehrmann, a former NFL Pro Bowl lineman and currently a high school football coach, was the subject of a book by Jeffrey Marx entitled “Season of Life”. Ehrmann’s team has a rule -- nobody eats alone. If a member of the team sees someone eating alone, he is required to go and sit with the student or invite them to join the player. Set an example. Thompson advises you look at your own behavior. Stop if you are a perpetrator or tell a friend who is bullying you think that action is an act of weakness. Respond. If you see someone bullying another person, don’t use or threaten use of force. Assess the situation to see if you can say anything which doesn’t put you in danger, maybe by simply asking a question of “what’s going on?” You can also speak with a trusted school official, offer your support to the victim, and join a school-wide anti-bullying effort. Support other school activities, such as attending a play or concert, supporting the JV team or a girls’ sport. Get involved in community service, such as organizing canned food drives, collecting stuffed animals for a children’s hospital, volunteering with Special Olympics, holding sports clinics for younger athletes, coaching or officiating younger athletes’ games, and visiting
the elderly. What’s important is that people remember you not just for your prowess on the field or court, but for what you did for others — your teammates, classmates, the elementary-aged child who looked up to you, your parents. How do you want to be remembered? Tell us what you think by emailing me at njustis@cfu.net.
Nancy Justis is a former competitive swimmer and collegiate sports information director. She currently is a state representative for “Positive Coaching Alliance,” a national non-profit organization making “Better Athletes, Better People”; and a co-owner of Justis Creative Communications.
www.agentkeithh.com
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High School
2014: WHAT A YEAR Another year is in the books. Here’s our look back at the year that was in prep sports. Tony Atzeni | Programming Director
The year 2014 was thoroughly entertaining from start to finish, for both boys and girls, and a slew of teams and athletes permanently etched their names into the record books with spectacular performances that won’t soon be forgotten. It all started with the state wrestling tournament, where Bettendorf won the Class 3A traditional state title ahead of Southeast Polk, which had been the top-ranked squad for most of the season. Jack Wagner (106), Jacob Schwarm (113), Fredy Stroker (132) and Logan Ryan (138) all won individual titles for the Bulldogs. Davenport Assumption stood atop of the podium in Class 2A, led by individual titles for Eric Clarke (132) and Danny Bush (152). Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont used its depth, with four state champions crowned, to win the Class 1A teams title. The champs included Jeren Glosser (138), Blake Marolf (145), Tucker Black (152) and Tyler Foubert (160). The dual meet titles were captured by Bettendorf (3A), Davenport Assumption (2A) and Clarion-Goldfield-Dows (1A). The Des Moines Oak Leafs won both the regular season and tournament championships in the Midwest High School Hockey League. The Oak Leafs were led by all-league forward Connor Cox and all-league defenseman Matt Mullenbach. Iowa City West won their first-ever boys swimming title, led by Mark McGlaughlin, who won the 50 and 100 freestyles; Aiden Keen, who claimed the 200 and 500 freestyle titles while sweeping the relay events as well. Other individual event winners include Alex Walton (Muscatine) in the 100 backstroke and the 200 individual medley, Justin Winnett (Johnston) in the 100 breaststroke; RJ Hemmingsen (Lewis Central, Council Bluffs) in the 100 butterfly. State bowling was once again in Des Moines, where Jonah Starmer (Waukee) won the individual
title as a sophomore in Class 2A, but Davenport North won the team title thanks to Nate Goettsch, Bret Keimig and Zach Williams and their top-ten finishes. Hayden Berry (Red Oak) won the Class 1A individual championship, but the Go-Hawks of Waverly-Shell Rock edged Red Oak for the Class 1A team title led by Seth Dowling Catholic’s Ryan Boyle keyed another Maroon title run in 2014. Dowling became the first team to win back-to-back championships in Class 4A since the Maroons accomplished the feat in 2000-01. (Photo by Tork Mason) Masker. Josh McCormick (Alta-Aurelia), who is just a Iowa City West was the last team sophomore. standing on the hardwood yet again, as the Trojans Iowa City West also was the power in soccer, claimed their third-straight Class 4A basketball as the Trojans won the state soccer title in Class championship led by Wyatt Lohaus. In Class 3A, 3A. Norwalk won the Class 2A championship and Dubuque Wahlert met expectations in claiming the Iowa City Regina took home the Class 1A crown in school’s fourth state title in school history, and they two-overtimes and penalty kicks. The Trojans also did so in dominating fashion. Western Christian won the team title in tennis in Class 2A, their third (Hull) added their seventh state crown in Class 2A straight. Maharishi (Fairfield) won the crown in 1A. after rolling through the state tournament field. And Individually it was Alex Brown (Waukee), just it was West Lyon, more known for dominance on a freshman who won the Class 2A singles title, the gridiron, grabbing its first-ever basketball title while the Iowa City West duo of David DiLeo and in Class 1A after destroying all challengers at Wells Karl Wenzel won the doubles title. Sam Stickels Fargo Arena by an average of over 21 points per (Maharishi, Fairfield) won the singles crown and game. teammates Solaras Nite and Surya Sawhney won the The spring season involved three of the four doubles championship. classes in golf. Alex Moorman (Centerville) won Track and field completed the spring sports Class 3A individual medalist honors and West season with many highlights and records, led by Delaware (Manchester) took home the team Linn-Mar’s (Marion) Josh Evans, who set a new title. The Hawks were led by runner-up finisher record in the 1,600 meter run, improving the old Clayton Larsen and top-ten placewinner Harrison record by nearly four seconds in 4:06.32. Evans also Guetzko. The Class 2A team title went to South captured the 800 and 3,200 individual titles and was Hamilton (Jewell), who also brought home the part of the Lions’ distance medley championship hardware with individual winner Trevor Ullestad team. and top-ten place winners Jordan Bowers and Waukee also set a new standard in the shuttle Braxton Risetter. Bishop Garrigan (Algona) added hurdle relay with Josh Brdicko, Kalen Renshaw, another Class 1A state golf championship led by Scott Stanley and Jared Brdicko making up Jess Marlow, who finished in a tie for third overall. the record-setting team. Drake Sachsenmeier Chris Cooksley (East Buchanan, Winthrop) won (Camanche) won four events in the wheelchair the individual title as a freshman in a playoff over division. Michael Melchert (Monticello), Derek
Iowa City Regina’s Drew Cook led the Regals to an unprecedented fifth-consecutive state championship. (Photo by Tork Mason)
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Twin Cedars (Bussey) used a potent lineup and dominant pitching to steamroll the Class 1A field and earn its first-ever state championship. (Photo by Tork Mason)
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HighSchool
Boone’s Albert Meier became the first prep to break the 9-minute mark in the 3,200-meter run at the Drake Relays. (Photo by Tork Mason)
Harksen (Camanche), Noah Larson (Mount Ayr) and Erik Freed (Mount Ayr) all won three state titles. Waukee (4A), Solon (3A), Monticello (2A) and Mount Ayr (1A) won the team titles. Baseball stands alone during the summer for the boys and Principal Park in Des Moines is where it all gets decided. Southeast Polk won their first-ever baseball title by playing their best baseball of the season during the tournament run as they beat Iowa City West, 2-0, behind the four-hit pitching effort of TJ Fetters in Class 4A. It was business as usual for Davenport Assumption, as they won their ninth state baseball title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Dallas Center-Grimes in Class 3A. The title placed the Knight alongside of Kee (Lansing) for most summer baseball championships. But the Knights did have to work in the semifinals, where they overcame a 3-2 deficit in the top of the seventh inning and scored five two-out runs to come away with an 8-5 victory over Waverly-Shell Rock. North Polk has a long history of playing bridesmaid, having lost in the state championship game four times since 1998, but the Comets finally got over the hump in 2014. Pitching and defense was again the theme as the Comets defeated Beckman (Dyersville), 2-0, for the 2A title behind Cole Jackson’s three-hit effort on the mound. Jackson also struck out 15 in a complete game no-hitter in the Comets’ 7-1 quarterfinal victory over Maple Valley/ Anthon-Oto.
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Lisbon’s Carter Happel rolled through the Class 1A 132-pound field to earn his second state title as a sophomore. (Photo by Tork Mason)
Iowa City West’s Wyatt Lohaus took charge and led the Trojans to a fourth-straight Class 4A state title. (Photo by Tork Mason)
Twin Cedars (Bussey) added its name to the record books as first-time winner, as well, when the Sabers defeated perennial power Newman Catholic (Mason City) for the Class 1A baseball title, 8-2. It was about more than just baseball for the Twin Cedars players and fans, as Dylan Springer would get into the game wearing his brother Derek’s jersey as a pinch runner in an emotional moment for all of the Sabers’ supporters. Derek died in a car accident early last June and his jersey #22 hung in the dugout for every game until the state title game when his brother would come out to a standing ovation. The fall sports scene included Class 4A boy’s golf, cross country and of course football. LinnMar (Marion) (4A), Gilbert (3A), East Marshall (LeGrand) (2A) and Bellevue (1A) won the team titles in cross country. The Lions were led by three top-ten finishers in Daniel Murphy, Michael Mather and Ryan Murphy. Daniel Soto (West Des Moines Valley) won the Class 4A individual crown. The Tigers won the Class 3A title, led by individual champion Thomas Pollard and two other top-ten finishers, Wesley Greder and Bradley Richard. Caleb Benzing finished fourth to lead East Marshall to the Class 2A title, while Eric Lenz (Tipton) won the individual crown. Andrew Meyer finished second and Andrew Segalla seventh in leading Bellevue in Class 1A with Peyton Twedt (West Fork) just edging Ryan Izer (Turkey Valley,
Jackson Junction) for the individual championship. Football capped off the year with some new standards set in all six classes. Iowa City Regina set a new all-time state standard by claiming their fifth-straight title, the last three in Class 1A. Over the past five seasons, the Regals posted a 69-1 record and also set the all-time winning streak at 56 in the process. The Regals were led by Sports Spotlight Class 1A Offensive Player of the Year, Drew Cook. Dowling Catholic has now won five state titles since 2000 and won its second-straight crown in 2014. The Maroons were led by the Sports Spotlight Class 4A Offensive Player of the Year, Ryan Boyle. Pella won its first-ever football title with a perfect 14-0 season in Class 3A. Sports Spotlight Class 3A Offensive Player of the Year, Noah Clayberg led the charge in Little Dutch country. North Fayette Valley claimed its first sports title in Class 2A, led by Josh Mackey and a complete team defensive effort. It had been 24 years since Logan-Magnolia could say it was a state champ in football, but that portfolio is updated with the 2014 title in Class A. Newell-Fonda won the school’s first football title in Class 8-Player after starting the season 0-3, the first team to win a title after starting the season with that slowly. (Girls year in review on P. 8)
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High School (Continued from P. 7) Now we take a look back at those teams and athletes that come under our spotlight on the girls side, starting with the winter sports season. Dowling Catholic won the Class 5A state title, the fifth in school history, thanks to strong play by freshman Becca Hittner and junior Audrey Faber. Harlan won its first girls basketball championship in thrilling fashion. The Cyclones won their three tournament games by a combined nine points to cap a 26-0 season. MOC-Floyd Valley won the Class 3A crown, led by Miss Basketball for 2014, Alexis Conaway. Conaway was dominant throughout the state tournament and scored a tournament-record 46 points on 17-of-24 shooting in a semifinal victory over Mediapolis. Western Christian (Hull) won its third-straight Class 2A title in convincing fashion, while Burlington-Notre Dame claimed its first-ever championship in Class 1A. Gene Klinge with Waukon ended his career an all-time state record with West Central (Maynard) and Waukon, where he compiled a record of 1009252 in 52 years of service. To put that mark into perspective, the next active coach in career victories are Bob and Sharon Hanson (Dowling Catholic) with 613 and Gail Hartigan (Treynor) with 601 career wins. Bowling is also played during the winter season and it was Waterloo West (2A) and Keokuk (1A) that won the team titles with Michaela Kelly (2A), a junior from Bettendorf, and Shelby Carrier (1A), a junior from Central Clinton (DeWitt) winning the individual championships. It was an eastern Iowa sweep in state girls’ soccer as Cedar Rapids Kennedy (3A), North Scott (Eldridge) (2A) and Davenport Assumption (1A) won the team titles. The state team golf titles went to Waukee (5A), Cedar Rapids Xavier (4A), Atlantic (3A), Dike-New Hartford (2A) and Grundy Center (1A). The Warriors placed three individuals in the top-ten led by Kelsy Shay but it was Karli Kerrigan, just a sophomore, who won the Class 5A individual championship. The Saints placed one-two in the individual scores with Maddie Bertsch winning
medalist honors with Grace Winker the runner-up. Senior Paige Van Dyke of South Tama won medalist honors in Class 3A while Sarah McMichael, a junior for Nashua-Plainfield, edged Ashley Dumler and Briana Weber of state champion Dike-New Hartford for the top spot in Class 2A. Jessica Franson with North Linn (Troy Mills) won the Class 1A title. The tennis team champions were Cedar Rapids Washington in Class 2A and Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) in Class 1A, with the individual title going to Chloe Jeffries of West Des Moines Valley in Class 2A and Haley Resnick of Davenport Assumption in Class 1A. Des Moines Roosevelt’s Mary Hill and Meera Prasad swept the Class 2A doubles title and Caroline and Elizabeth Ott of Dubuque Wahlert did the same for the Class 1A doubles crown. Track and field in Iowa highlighted the spring sports season. Urbandale ended up as the Class 4A team title winners while Davenport Assumption (3A), Cascade (Western Dubuque) (2A) and North Linn (Troy Mills) (1A) won the team titles. Rebekah Topham (Griswold) was a four-time individual winner, claiming the 400 hurdles and 800, 1,500 and 3,000 meter run titles in Class 1A. Katie Maschmann (Montezuma) won both the 100 and 200 dash titles. In Class 2A, Jasmine Staebler (Clayton Ridge, Guttenberg) won three individual titles with her performances in the 200 and 400 dash and 800 meter run. In Class 3A, Rose Ripslinger (Davenport Assumption won the 100- and 200-meter dash titles and was part of two relay team titles as well. Gilbert’s Grace Gibbons swept the two distance titles. In Class 4A, Roosevelt’s Jalynn Roberts-Lewis made a statement by winning the 100- and 200-meter dash titles, as well as the long jump crown. LinnMar’s (Marion) Stephanie Jenks did the same in the distance races, claiming the 800, 1,500 and 3,000 run championships in a dominant performance. Softball is the stand alone sport in the summer. In Class 5A, central Iowa schools flexed their muscles and the strongest in the end were the Dragons of Johnston. Led by the hitting of Brooke
Linn-Mar’s Stephanie Jenks (left) dominated the long-distance field last spring, both at the Drake Relays and the state track meet. (Photo by Tork Mason)
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Wilmes and the pitching of Haylee Towers, the Dragons topped the field. Dallas Center-Grimes won the Class 4A championship for the second year in a row and were hardly challenged in the process. The Fillies were led by Paige Lowary in the circle, and she allowed just two runs and ten hits in the three state games including a one-hit gem in the state title game against Solon. Clarke (Osceola) won the Class 3A title in exciting walk-off style to claim their second-ever state title. Carly Robbins homered to lead off the bottom of the seventh to give the Indians a 7-6 win over Bondurant-Farrar, which had battled back from a 6-1 deficit in the game. Earlham won the Class 2A title as Kaylie Brindley led the way with her arm. Brindley allowed just two earned runs and five hits in three games in the circle. AkronWestfield captured the Class 1A title, led by Kayla Tindall, who allowed just one earned run in her three games in the circle. The fall season was once again a busy one with cross country, girls swimming and diving and volleyball. In cross country, Pocahontas Area won the Class 1A team title led by Grace Meyer and Elle Ruffridge with top-ten finishes, but once again it would Rebekah Topham (Griswold) who would win the individual crown, her fourth career individual cross country championship. Monticello won the Class 2A team title, led by individual champion Paige Holub, who was just a freshman. Not much news in Class 3A. Decorah once again won the team title led by top-ten finishes by Amanda Taylor and Stef Bjerke. Gilbert’s Grace Gibbons brought her dominance from the track to the course by winning the Class 3A individual title. Johnston won the Class 4A team title led by Jordyn Kleve and her runner-up finish, and Jessica McKee. Des Moines Roosevelt’s Megan Schott won the individual title. Pleasant Valley ended the four-year run by Ames to win the team championship in girls swimming and diving. It was a great diving season with the likes of three-time state champion Maggie James (Ames) and Jacintha Thomas (Iowa City
Davenport Assumption’s Rose Ripslinger (15) capped a stellar career with her fourth Gatorade Player of the Year award and led the Knights to another Class 2A state championship. (Photo by Tork Mason)
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HighSchool
Council Bluffs Lincoln scored one of the state volleyball tournament’s biggest upsets by knocking out Dowling Catholic in the Class 5A quarterfinals. (Photo by Tork Mason)
West). James had earlier broken a 32-year old record for scoring, but in the end it was Thomas who would break the record set by James and claim the diving title, thus ending James’ hopes of becoming the second four-time champion. Alyssa Fluit (Southeast Polk) just keeps setting the standards in her events to a new level, winning the 200 and 500 freestyles in new all-time record times. Maddie Gehrke (Waukee) set a new alltime record in the 50 freestyle and 100 backstroke while McKenzie Leehy (Lewis Central, Council Bluffs) did the same in the 100 freestyle as six all-time marks were erased this season. The state volleyball tournament ended the 2014 Iowa high school girls sports season and state champions included Ankeny Centennial in Class 5A led by all-tournament team captain Jaali Winters. Harlan captured the Class 4A crown led by Jess Schaben, the all-tournament team captain. Solon swept to the Class 3A championship behind the efforts of all-tournament team captain Jordan Smith. In Class 2A, the title went to Dike-New Hartford in their annual meeting with Western Christian (Hull), led by Rachel Koop, the all-tournament team captain and co-player of the year. Holy Trinity Catholic (Fort Madison) won the Class 1A championship led by co-player of the year and all-tournament team captain Mikaela Foecke. Foecke was later named Gatorade National High School Volleyball Player of the Year. Congratulations to all the team and individual champions this 2014 sports season and to all the student-athletes that competed. All of us at Sports Spotlight look forward to the new stories that will emerge in 2015!
Dallas Center-Grimes’ Paige Lowary proved nearly unhittable as she led the Fillies to their second-straight Class 4A softball title. (Photo by Tork Mason)
MOC-Floyd Valley’s Alexis Conaway (center) was a dominant force for the Lady Dutch, leading them to a Class 3A state title and earning Miss Basketball honors from the Iowa Newspaper Association. (Photo by Tork Mason)
Akron-Westfield claimed another Class 1A softball title in 2014. (Photo by Tork Mason)
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Volume 3 Issue 4
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Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register
Play Big Des Moines Hoover’s Chris King is doing big things for the undefeated Huskies, even if he’s not the biggest player on the court. By Dar Danielson
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es Moines Hoover senior point guard Chris King isn’t always the tallest or biggest player on the floor, but the impact he is making so far this season is something other teams can’t overlook. King is the leading scorer, averaging 21 points a game for the Huskies, who have started the season 7-0. At six feet tall and somewhere just under 160 pounds, his coach Courtney Henderson admits King “is not the biggest guy in terms of stature,” but said his quickness off the dribble and the ability to create his own shot really helps him to excel. Henderson said King is a good shooter who also has the ability to see the whole floor. That allows him to see the open man and get him the ball for easy buckets, which makes everyone else better as he runs the offense. The multi-threat capability leaves defenders in a tough spot trying to decide what to try and take away from King. You stop the drive and he can pull up and hit a 3-pointer, or dish the assist that allows a teammate to beat the defense. King has been playing on varsity since he was a freshman and says he worked to develop a tough mentality that lets him go up against taller and bigger players. “When I see a jersey in front of me, if he’s not wearing green, I just want to go after him and beat him, it’s my mentality,” King said. He can shoot the ball from the outside, hitting a sizzling 50 percent from behind the arc so far this season. He’s even better as he gets closer to the basket, hitting 2-point attempts at a 52 percent clip. King said he just takes whatever the defense gives him. Unlike a lot of players who think the long shot is the best play,
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King would prefer to score off a drive and force a foul. “If I’m going to the basket and get an ‘andone,’ it’s more exciting that hitting a three,” King said. The “and-one” has been pretty much a given for King so far this season as he’s shooting 88 percent from the free-throw line. Hoover defeated Ames earlier this season and Little Cyclone coach Vance Downs’ assessment of King matches up with what his own coach sees. Downs said King has “great quickness and speed, and is shooting the ball as well as he ever has.” Downs has seen King develop each year and said those 4 years of varsity experience make him tough to rattle. With that said, Downs said it’s not offense, but defense that is one of King’s strongest attributes as he has the ability to apply tremendous defensive pressure on other guards. “Just a talented young man,” according to Downs. King tries to bring the same tough mentality he uses on offense to his defensive game – if he sees a jersey that’s not the same color as his, he wants to put the clamps on them. He says it’s something Henderson preaches to everyone on the team. Henderson has also coached King in the importance of being a leader on and off the floor. He says after some issues off the floor last season, King has learned how important that is and stepped things up. “I learned a lot from that situation, to just worry about my team, and to go to class and do everything I need to do to play,” King explained. Part of doing what he needs to do to play was increasing his strength in the offseason.
He laughs and says “working out” and lifting weights when he’s asked about what he does when he’s not playing or practicing basketball. It’s early in the season, but King admited he is already feeling the urgency of the clock running on his senior season. He’s not alone in that, either. “It means a lot more to the team, because we’ve got a different goal this year, to win the whole thing,” King said. “When you’re a senior, you just play harder.” While there is urgency, King doesn’t feel any pressure being the leader and trying to push the team to the top spot in the state. “We’ve just got to go hard in practice, listen to what the coach tells us to do, and we’ll be fine,” King said. Henderson is pleased with the way King has led the team this year and says he will be able to look back on a great high school career. “He’s definitely been one of those guys who has been a cornerstone in our program for the last four years,” Henderson said. “He’s definitely paid his dues and, so far, we’re off to a pretty good start with his leadership.” Henderson speaks with the caution of a coach, when it comes to looking ahead to a possible state title run. He said they have some lofty goals, but there’s a long season ahead. King believes in his coach and teammates and said that’s what is important no matter what others think. He wouldn’t even mind if others see them in the underdog role. “We like that, because we want to surprise people,” he said. “If everybody doesn’t think we’re that good, that’s okay because we know how good we can be.” Volume 3 Issue 4
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Photo by Tork Mason
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Unheralded Trailblazer Center Point-Urbana’s Brock Rathbun won his school’s first-ever state title last year, but he’s still not garnered much outside buzz. By Bob Selby
O
ne of the best aspects of the Iowa State Wrestling Tournament every February is the opportunity it presents for wrestling fans to finally see some of the young wrestlers they have heard about all season long. It becomes a chance for kids to showcase their talents to the crowds that respect them the most. When this happens for a freshman, it can work to serve notice to all just what is in store for three more years. This was definitely the case two seasons ago at the 2013 tournament. Brock Rathbun of Center Point-Urbana was an unknown commodity for the most part as he paved his way to a 41-3 record at 106 pounds for the Stormin’ Pointers. CP-U fans knew what they had, though. They knew from watching him carve up opponents one by one all season long. The kind of performances that make fans realize something special was unfolding before their eyes. It happens from time to time in some communities. In fact, it happens often for a handful of wrestling powerhouses in this tradition-rich state. But not too often for this particular Class 2A school; not like this. Rathbun’s older brother Bobby had been a four-year varsity competitor, yet never quite made it to state. Brock made loud statements on the mat all year as a freshman. Ones like the two pins at the Class 2A sectional 11 tournament, followed by two more falls at the district 6 meet. The CP-U wrestling fans had reason to believe, yet were hesitant to get their hopes up too high. In the history of the program, there had never been a state champion wrestler from CP-U. Rathbun plowed his way to the final, where he met the top-ranked Patrick Woods of West Delaware. Woods, then a junior, was dominant all season and wasted little time in wrapping it up with a first period pin. With
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a slap of the mat, it was over just like that. Rathbun and all the Pointer fans would have to settle for second place. But that is a distant memory to all involved now. Rathbun, to date, has never watched video of the match. Never used it as fuel to the fire or needed it for motivation to improve or even more detailed, to design a strategy for avenging that loss to Woods. He just moved on and went to work on what would make him better at his craft every day. Getting to that point started early on, when — through the advice and encouragement of Derek St. John’s father — Rathbun picked up on wrestling and fell in love with it. He looks up to St. John, the former Iowa City West prep champion and University of Iowa four-time All-American, and talks to him throughout the season. Like St. John, Rathbun has a very low-key demeanor. He keeps it simple, not flashy. Rathbun’s coach, Scott Slifka is in his 34th season as a head coach this year, and he has high praise for his talented junior. “In the room, he leads by example,” Slifka said. “He’s not a yeller at all. The team tries to keep up with him; I have him demonstrate a lot of moves to the team. “He understands the program, and I can bounce ideas off of him and he relates well with what we are thinking. I wouldn’t trade him for anything.” After moving up to 113 pounds last season, Brock made it clear early on there would be no letdown in sight. He cruised through the regular season unscathed, clearly focused on the task at hand and the goal of winning a title. Two more sectional pins followed by two tech falls at districts, and the stage was set. Undefeated and looking for the top of the podium at Wells Fargo Arena, he got an early shot at Woods in the quarterfinal round. The match went
to sudden victory overtime, but Rathbun prevailed, 6-4, to advance. He advanced to the finals again, but this time it was Rathbun who would provide the first period fireworks. His quick pin of Clear Lake’s Ryan Leisure gave Coach Slifka and Center Point-Urbana their first state champion, and resulted in a joyous backflip by Rathbun that brought even more roars from an already raucous CP-U fanbase. Rathbun had tallied a 46-0 sophomore campaign that was an undeniably impressive accomplishment. Impressive, yet somehow still ‘under the radar’ as far as undefeated champions go. When the tournament was over, all the headlines went elsewhere. Even this preseason, it seemed like all of the attention was focused on other wrestlers and other stories. He is ranked No. 1 at 120 pounds, a tough weigh class with a bevy of talent this year. But barring unforeseen issues, he can potentially be a three-time champion. He has won over 50 consecutive matches since that 2013 loss to Woods. He has pursued numerous out-of-season tournaments with great success and will no doubt look to continue that trend. He has already drawn the desire of college coaches across the country. A solid 3.0 gpa student, choosing which college could be his toughest test. For someone who just likes hanging around with his friends, has no special hobbies or interest to this point outside of wrestling, and does not seek the limelight, he is cutting a special path. If you asked anyone who knows him, they would say he is what all young men should be — a solid individual and a good kid. A good kid who happens to be a great wrestler. Volume 3 Issue 4
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Sola is a key cog in the Devils’ potent offensive attack. He leads the Midwest High School Hockey League with 26 points on the season, thanks to a league-best 17 assists, for the 13-2 Devils.
Shelby Hembera
Hembera is once again at the top of the Class 1A scoring and rebounding charts. The senior leads the state with 34 points and 14.6 rebounds per game this season.
Griglione hasn’t let her youth hold her back this winter. The sophomore ranks third in Class 2A with 21.2 points per game. She’s also grabbing 10.3 boards a night for the 7-2 Roadrunners.
Junior | Chariton
Photo courtesy of MHSHL
Photo by Tork Mason
Seales powers one of Class 4A’s top challengers to four-time defending champion Iowa City West. The senior is averaging 20.6 points per game and is shooting at better than 50 percent from the floor. He’s also pulling down just under 8 rebounds a night.
Senior | Cedar Valley Christian
Foecke is perhaps the greatest volleyball player in Iowa history, and she left her mark on her final state tournament appearance. The senior led Holy Trinity Catholic to the Class 1A state title and tallied a record 37 kills in the semifinals. She was named Gatorade National Player of the Year, as well.
Carter Sola
Senior | Western Dubuque
Senior | HolyTrinity Catholic
Photo by Tork Mason
Ruffridge leads a potent Indian attack and has made her team a top title contender this season. The sophomore is averaging nearly 30 points and just under 8 assists per game.
Gracey Griglione
Cortez Seales
Sophomore | Interstate 35
Photo courtesy of Pocahontas Area High School
Charbonneau led the Panthers to the Class A state championship. The senior was nearly unstoppable in the title bout with GladbrookReinbeck, rushing for 234 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Panthers’ 28-24 victory over the Rebels.
Mikaela Foecke
Elle Ruffridge
Senior | North Scott
Photo by Tork Mason
Sophomore | Pocahontas Area
Senior | Logan-Magnolia
Brady Charbonneau
T.J. Hockenson Photo by Tork Mason
Hockenson currently leads the Chargers with 22.8 points and 15.7 rebounds per game this season. Both of those marks place him among state leaders as he tries to lead Chariton back to the state tournament.
Voted BAGEL FRESH IN OUR BAKERY
1
Sibling Power Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register
Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register
T
he Marburger family driveway was home to as many battles as it was basketball games. In a family of talented and competitive siblings, losses were not taken lightly and parents had to play peacemaker. Right in the middle of the Marburger family were two sisters— Claire, the third in line, and Grace, the fourth. Born from these heated showdowns, however, was a passion for basketball and a profound bond between sisters that has helped turn the Perry Jayettes into one of the top teams in Class 4A girls basketball. The love for basketball runs deep in the Marburger family. The eldest child, Hannah, became a three-year starter for Perry while her younger siblings watched from the bench. However, watching was not enough for Claire. After starting in local recreational league basketball, Claire tried out for an AAU team with Kingdom Hoops prior to her sixth grade year; it was there that her skills blossomed. “I developed a lot of skills playing AAU; I had the opportunity to travel across the country and played some talented girls who are now at high level colleges,” Claire said. “Those skills helped me come back and be ready to play varsity for Perry as a freshman.” Mike Long, Perry’s head coach, has seen a good player become a great player that is striving to become an elite player. “I personally think Claire’s defense has improved immensely,” Long said. “She came in with a lot of offensive skills, but it took about a year and a half before she fully grasped our concept of team defense. She attacks the boards really well, too. She’s always been a great scorer, but she’s also really improved in those areas.” Starting on varsity as a freshman, Claire averaged 16.3 points per game. Her second year in the SportsSpotlight.com
program, she had bumped up to 18.3 ppg, and outsiders started to take notice. She was selected as a Sports Spotlight Class 4A first team All-State player. During her junior year, she established herself as one of the premier players in the state. With 22.9 points per game—the ninth-highest total in the entire state—Marburger was recognized as the Sports Spotlight Class 4A Player of the Year. The 2013-2014 Jayettes finished the year 19-5, but fell in the regional finals to rival Carlisle. The younger Marburger sister notched her first minutes on the high school court during last season, and got a taste of the competitiveness needed to be successful. “You have to be ready to go each night,” Grace said. “A team could get very hot any one night and you just never know.” Grace, just two years younger than her sister, also joined the AAU circuit, trying out for her first team in fourth grade. Throughout elementary and middle school, Grace developed and refined her skills on the hardwood. When the time came, she was exuberant about the idea of joining her sister. “I just enjoy playing with Claire,” Grace said. “I used to be the water girl when I was younger and she was on varsity. I was always on the bench and couldn’t wait until it was my turn to be on the team with Claire.” A multi-sport athlete who also participates in soccer and volleyball, Grace has a much different style on the court than that of her sister. Standing only 5-4, speed and athleticism have allowed her to find a niche as a guard and sharpshooter, in contrast to the grinding post play of her 5-8 sister. Grace averaged just 4.5 points during her freshman year, but with an expanded role this season, her numbers and performance have improved. Heading into the new year, she has averaged 9 points per game while also shooting 43
percent from outside the arc this season. While the sisters claim to not have a rivalry, they do admit that the competitive juices are flowing now that both are on the same court. The battle for family supremacy is best recalled during a game against Des Moines Hoover last season. Coming off the bench, Grace had caught fire early in the game and connected on five 3-pointers in the first half. That was the extra motivation Claire needed. “I hate when she outscores me,” said Claire, who would end up outscoring her younger sister, 23 to 20, in the 57-40 victory. Claire’s accomplishments and competitive zeal have captured the attention of college scouts. After exploring her options, she accepted an offer to play at Valparaiso University. “I’m very excited to play there, to play for Coach [Tracey] Dorow and represent the school,” Claire said. “I felt very comfortable when I went for my visit and met the coaches; it’s a team I want to be a part of.” But before she heads off to the college ranks, Claire has unfinished business on the high school court. Perry was 11-11 during Claire’s freshman season, and the program has steadily been on the rise since then. With a new standard of success, the squad now has new goals and expectations. “There’s a lot more expectations of us,” Claire said. “I expect us to be at Wells Fargo [Arena], the team and the community expect us to get there. There’s a lot of pressure to fulfill those goals, but I enjoy that challenge.” While the lights may be brighter and the stage may be bigger, the Marburger sisters are still pushing each other, battling to be the victor, just like those innumerable games in the family driveway.
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A Wide Open Affair Mediapolis’ Andrea Larsen (Photo by Tork Mason)
Pocahontas Area’s Elle Ruffridge leads the Indians and has made them a top title contender this season. (Photo courtesy of the Pocahontas Record-Democrat)
Tork Mason | Editor-in-Chief
In 2013-14, MOC-Floyd Valley and Unity Christian emerged as the teams to beat in Class 3A and met in a 63-57 classic in the state championship game. But a year later, the defending champion Lady Dutch are without graduated star Alexis Conaway and the Knights have dropped down to Class 2A, leaving a void at the top of the class. A month into the season, there are a slew of quality teams that could contend for the title in March. Headlining the group is Mediapolis, which reached the state semifinals before falling to MOCFloyd Valley. The Bulldogs lead Class 3A in scoring at 75.4 points per game and boast five players who average at least 8.9 points per game. That group is led by Andrea Larsen and Darby Massner, who put up 21 and 19 points per game, respectively, through the season’s first month. Massner is the Bulldogs’ go-to perimeter player, and she hasn’t let her team down in that regard, as she was hitting nearly 46 percent from behind the arc on 46 three-point attempts through December. But it’s in the paint where the team does most of its damage. There, Larsen and Heidi Hillyard own the glass and are a big reason why the Bulldogs lead Class 3A with 42.3 rebounds per game. Hillyard leads the team with 13.7 boards per game, including 6 offensive rebounds a night, and Larsen pulls down 10.3 boards per game. The Bulldogs may be the default favorite, based on their tournament run a year ago and the experience they brought back this year, but many other teams have emerged as title contenders. Pocahontas Area’s hopes ride primarily on the shoulders of 5-3 sophomore point guard Elle SportsSpotlight.com
Ruffridge, who leads Class 3A in scoring (29.8 points per game) and assists (7.75 assists per game). She is a dead-eye shooter from inside and outside the arc, having hit on 51 percent of her shots and just under 48 percent from three-point range, and is also a 90 percent shooter from the free throw line. She has led the Indians to an 8-0 record at the winter break and could take them to a state title if she maintains her current level of play. Solon, Osage and Hampton-Dumont are Class 3A’s other undefeated squads, and each have varying strengths. For Solon, offense hasn’t always come easily, as the Spartans are about average in both scoring and field goal percentage in Class 3A, but the defense has consistently delivered. The Spartans are among the best defensive teams in the state, giving up just 35.9 points per game through December. They ranked among state leaders with 14.6 steals per game and held opponents to single digit points in 21 of 32 quarters played before the winter break. Osage and Hampton-Dumont are more explosive offensively and both rank in the top 5 in scoring. The Green Devils are led by freshman point guard Ellie Friesen, who averages over 14 points per game, but they have six other players averaging at least 5 points a night to give themselves one of the state’s most balanced offensive attacks. They rank among state leaders in rebounding, assists and steals, but they also are one of the best teams at taking care of the ball, having turned it over just 12 times per game. Hampton-Dumont relies more on its top scorers than Osage, but the trio of Jordan Prantner, Jessica
Speake and Kennedy Wohlford is as good as any in the state. Together, they piled up just over 40 points per game at a 47.5 percent clip through December. Prantner and Speake both averaged at least 5 assists and 4 steals per game, while Wohlford pulled down 8.9 rebounds and swatted 4.3 shots a night. Few teams can match that level of production from their top three players, and that allows the Bulldogs to keep the pressure up on their opponents. Another pair of squads from western Iowa could make a lot of noise in the postseason. Sioux Center had just one loss to Class 2A No. 1 Western Christian on its record entering the new year, while Spirit Lake had only lost to Western Christian and Viborg/Hurley (SD) before the winter break. Sioux Center hasn’t been the most efficient offensive team this season, as the Warriors have shot just 37 percent from the floor, but that hasn’t kept head coach Doug Winterfeld’s squad from averaging over 66 points per game, which was the fourth-best mark in the state through December. For Spirit Lake, as goes senior forward Emma Dau, so go the Indians. Dau leads the team in scoring (15.6 points per game), rebounding (8 rebounds per game) and assists (2.5 assists per game). But success in the postseason can often come down to matchups, and Dau could provide enough firepower to lead the Indians to Wells Fargo Arena. The class looks as wide open as any as we start a new year, and it could be some time before the best of the best emerges to make a title push. No matter how long that takes, this March’s state tournament is shaping up to boast a strong field in Class 3A. Volume 3 Issue 4
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Student
Athlete
of the
MONTH
Presented by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau- IowaGTSB.org
CLICK IT OR TICKET Daric’s Q & A What’s your favorite sport to play? Why? Basketball, because I love everything about it. What’s your favorite sports memory? Winning the conference, and taking Chariton to state for the first time in 42 years last season Do you have any fun pre-game “rituals” that prepare you for an event? Sitting with my teammates and enjoying the moment. What’s your favorite subject in school and why? U.S. History, because it’s interesting to learn about our past. Who inspires you? Why? Jake Sullivan, my AAU coach, because of his work ethic and his love for theaching and playing the game. What was the best movie you saw in the last year? When the Game Stands Tall What is your dream job? Playing or coaching basketball for a living.
Achievements Sports: Basketball, Football, Golf Academic Achievements/Honors: National Honor Society, Principal Award every semester (3x, requires 3.5 minimum GPA) College or post-high school plans: Undecided Athletic Achievements/Honors: Third team All-State guard, Iowa Newspaper Association (2014); First team All-Conference guard (2013, 2014); First team All-District, football (2014); Team MVP, basketball (2013, 2014)
Photo by Tork Mason
Daric Laing
SportsSpotlight.com Chariton
High School, Class of 2016, 3.90 GPA
In the
Spotlight high school This page presented to you by:
Each month we publish youth and high school action photos from around the state. We would love to get yours! Send us your photos at support@sportsspotlight.com Photos taken at various high school sporting events in central Iowa. All photos courtesy of Jay Calvert.
High School
FOECKE NAMED NATIONAL POY
Holy Trinity Catholic’s Mikaela Foecke earned the prestigious Gatorade award for her dominant play. Tork Mason | Editor-in-Chief
Holy Trinity Catholic’s Mikaela Foecke had one of the best careers of any prep volleyball player in Iowa history, leaving multiple records in her wake, but her career was capped today with an elite honor. Foecke was named the 2014 Gatorade National Player of the Year by Gatorade and USA TODAY High School Sports. She was presented with the award at her school by 1999-00 winner April Ross, who recalled the emotions she felt when she received the honor 15 years ago. “I still remember the day when I was honored as the Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year and winning the award is one of the most memorable moments in my career,” she said in a release. “It’s such a rare accomplishment, so I was honored to be able to be a part of today’s celebration by surprising Mikaela with the award.” The award doesn’t solely focus on athletic performance, and also emphasizes high standards for academic achievement and strong character on and off the court. Foecke has maintained a 4.10 GPA in the classroom while also serving as a member of the student council. She has also volunteered for area food drives, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, youth volleyball programs, city cleanup initiatives and Big Brothers Big Sisters of
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America. A national advisory panel comprised of sport-specific experts and sports journalists helped select Foecke from more than 430,000 high school volleyball players nationwide. By winning the award, Foecke is also now a finalist for the Gatorade Female High School Athlete of the Year award, which will be presented at a special ceremony prior to The ESPY Awards in July. Foecke, a 6-3 senior middle blocker committed to play for the University of Nebraska next year, led the Crusaders to a 48-4 record and a Class 1A state championship this fall as the reigning Iowa Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year. She tallied a state-record 2,813 kills in her career and set a state tournament record with 37 kills in the Crusaders’ state semifinal victory over Tripoli on Nov. 13. “In a state currently top heavy with elite voleyball talent, Foecke has been without peer for at least the past two years,” said John Tawa, Publisher of PrepVolleyball.com, in a release. “Though she plays ‘small-school ball,’ she’s a big-time performer, possessing the arm swing and power to dominate anywhere along the net, as well as the agility of a libero in a 6-3 body. Foecke can score against anyone at any
time and could be a [collegiate] All-America performer early.” Morgan Flatley, Vice President of Brand Marketing for Gatorade, had no doubt the committee made the right decision in honoring Foecke with this prestigious award. “Without question, Mikaela is deserving of recognition as the nation’s best high school volleyball player, based on her statistics on the field and the impact her accomplishments have had on Holy Trinity Catholic’s success,” he said in a release. “But she is also a shining example to peers and aspiring young athletes of what a leader and a student-athlete should be. She represents everything we hope for in a Gatorade Player of the Year recipient.”
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High School
NEW SQUADS VIE FOR MHSHL TITLE Tony Atzeni | Programming Director
The Midwest High School Hockey League was established in 1977 as a non-sanctioned Iowa high school sport league. Over the years changes in the leagues structure included teams from Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska and Kansas City, among others. Omaha and Kansas City began with two teams but today each have one team in the league. The Des Moines area teams have had the most success since 2000, with eight titles won between the Oak Leafs and Capitals, with each team taking home four tournament championships. The Oak Leafs won six regular season titles and the Capitals three during that span. Over the past five seasons, the league has produced five different champions, which has made the tournament more exciting for fans of all qualifying teams. This season, a couple of new faces have joined the list of contenders. In Iowa, the Dubuque Devils have made the biggest jump of any team in the league. In 2010, the Devils had just one victory in their thirty-two game schedule. The next two seasons, Dubuque combined for thirteen more victories, but last season won fifteen games to prove they were making big strides toward becoming a factor in
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the MHSHL. The last time Dubuque was a real factor was in 1991, when they won the regular season title but lost in the tournament title game to Sioux City. This season, the Devils owned the league’s best record as of Jan. 1, standing at 13-2, thanks to an explosive offense. Carter Sola is the leader with his unselfish play, as he leads the league in points (26) thanks to a league-best 17 assists. Carter Grobstick and Gabe Bortscheller are the primary beneficiaries of those assists, as they place in the top-ten in overall scoring and goals scored. Dubuque looks to be challenged in their division by Waterloo, with Kansas City and Omaha battling for the west division crown and Des Moines Capitals boasting the record in the central division. The Jets have been the most competitive club over the past three seasons with a title in 2013 and runner-up finishes in 2012 and 2014. Kansas City is near the top of the league again, due to their strong play on both ends of the ice. Balance is the word to use when talking about the Jets, as they have a number of players who can score and handle the stick in the passing game to pile up
assists. Jake Taylor and Avery Lambden have posted double-digit assists. In goal, Kansas City has two goalies in the top-ten in goals against average, led by Nick Steiner, who also leads the league in shutouts and owns one of the three best save percentages in the league. Omaha is right there with the Jets in the division title race, led by Dalton Theisen in goals scored and Cole Childers in assists. Joey Schuld anchors the defense in net as one of the top goalies in save percentage and goals against average. The Capitals have control of the central division so far this season, thanks to their defense and goalie Colton Trowbridge. Trowbridge is also among the top three in wins, goals against average, save percentage and shutouts. Offensively, the Capitals are difficult to defend because of their team depth. Only three players are listed in the top 25 in overall scoring, led by Blake Ramsey. Waterloo won a title in 2009 and in the process snapped the five-year run by the Des Moines area teams, and then did it again in 2012. The Warhawks look to be a team that will have to win tight battles this season, and they’ll lean on goalie Sam Metcalf. Metcalf has faced nearly double
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High School the shots of the other top-tier goalies this season but so far, so good. Kyle Schott is one of the leaders for Waterloo on offense in goals scored and assists. Sioux City would love to make itself a factor this season but play in the same division with Omaha and Kansas City. The Metros last won a title in 2003 and are already more than halfway to their nine win total last season. Ames and the Des Moines Oak Leafs are playing break-even hockey for the most part this season, so both squads will have to improve moving into January to become a challenger or even a spoiler in the league title race with the Capitals. So who will make up the field in Ames on Feb. 27-March 1 at the Ames/ ISU Ice Arena for the varsity tournament championship? Who will be the
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last team standing? Will it be Kansas City or Des Moines Capitals, the two teams with a strong recent history; is Omaha ready to claim the west and maybe a title; or is Dubuque set to make the big jump from a program looking for some respect to gaining that respect with a title? The answer to those questions and more will be played out on sheets of ice across the state and no matter the final results, the road to that championship will take many hours of practice, road miles and dedication, not only from the players and coaches but the parents and fans of all the teams in the league. Hockey fans understand that commitment and cost, and they are among the most dedicated and passionate fans in sports.
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High School
NEWS AND NOTES Happel Hits Century Mark Lisbon’s Carter Happel has long since established himself as one of the state’s elite wrestlers, having captured state championships in each of his first two seasons. But he reached a major career milestone on Dec. 4. Happel, who is the top-ranked wrestler in Class 1A at 132 pounds, earned a fall just 1:41 in a match against Alburnett at 138 pounds to win his 100th career match. The victory brought his career record to 100-1, and he’ll likely enter this year’s state tournament as the heavy favorite to earn his third state title in as many attempts. Girls Hoops Stars Reach Career Milestones Several of the state’s top stars on the hardwood broke prestigious barriers through the season’s first few weeks. North Linn’s Nicole Miller has had a brilliant prep career and broke through the 1,500-point plateau in the Lynx’s 67-18 season-opening win over Prince of Peace Prep (Clinton). Miller scored 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting
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in the contest. South Central Calhoun’s Haley Birks, Grinnell’s Deja Jackson, IKM-Manning’s Morgan Muhlbauer, Logan-Magnolia’s Steffi Cunnard, Sergeant BluffLuton’s Amber Schubert, Exira/Elk Horn-Kimballton’s Rachel Smith, English Valleys’ Rylee Voss and Red Oak’s Kate Walker all passed the 1,000-point milestone, as well. Morrisey Leaving Prairie Carter Happel recorded his 100th career victory on Dec. 4. The junior is chasing his third career state championship this season. (Photo by The Cedar Rapids Prairie football Lisbon’s Tork Mason) team will be playing under new of former Cedar Rapids Regis and decision for us to leave, but ultimately leadership in 2015. Head coach Mike it came down to what was best for NFL quarterback Kurt Warner. Kade Morrissey resigned his position at our family, with the opportunity to be Warner hauled in 62 receptions for Prairie and will take the same position 688 yards and 6 touchdowns as a closer to my wife’s family in Arizona. at Desert Mountain High School in Whoever steps into this position will sophomore in 2014, according to Scottsdale, Ariz., Prairie announced in MaxPreps.com, and his father was be blessed with unlimited support a release on Dec. 22. and a program with young men part of the search committee that Morrissey led the Prairie Hawks hired Morrissey. intrinsically motivated to be the best to a 19-22 record and three Class 4A they can be.” “On behalf of my family, I want to playoff appearances, including a run Morrissey, who is also the physical thank the Prairie community for the to the 2012 state quarterfinals, in his education teacher at Prairie, will opportunity and support they have four seasons at the helm. finish the school year at Prairie before given us over the last four years,” At Desert Mountain, which was leaving for Arizona. Morrissey said in a statement. “We 1-9 this past fall, Morrissey will also can’t say enough great things about be coaching Kade Warner, a wide the school, program and people receiver for the Wolves and the son here at Prairie. It was a very difficult
SportsSpotlight.com
Learning. Growing. Succeeding. All home games streamed at portal.stretchinternet.com/aib Women’s head coach Courtney Boyd
Men’s head coach Cory Jenkins
Scholarships available
aib-eagles.com • AIB College of Business • Des Moines, Iowa • aib.edu
2014 Photos of the Year As an aspiring photojournalist, I take a lot of pride in my work and always enjoy a challenge. There are few things that will test you — both physically and mentally — as a photographer like a state tounament. Creaky knees, a sore back and some serious sunburns are all par for the course, as well as the mental drain of remaining focused through 12-plushour days on assignment. In total, I shot 179 state tournament games, plus the state wrestling tournament, the Drake Relays and the state track meet. And I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. It was a great year for sports in 2014, and it was a great year for sports photos, as well. I would like to share with you some of my favorite shots from the past year. I hope you enjoy these moments as much as I enjoyed capturing them! -Tork Mason, Editor-in-Chief Clockwise from top, left: West Lyon’s Vaughn Moser (13) and Dustin Brown (66) celebrate Moser’s third quarter touchdown run to give the Wildcats a 10-7 lead over St. Edmond in the Class 1A semifinals. The Wildcats won the game, 17-7, to reach the state title game. Unity Christian fans react after the Knights score a point during the fifth set in the Class 2A quarterfinals at the state volleyball tournament. The Knights would win the match and advance to the state semifinals. Hudson’s Casey Miles dives for a loose ball against Western Christian during the Class 2A state championship game at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. The Pirates lost the game, 79-55. Maquoketa Valley’s Ryan Parmely reacts after winning the Class 1A state title at 220 pounds. Kee’s Kenra Cooper (center, sunglasses) celebrates with her team after pitching the Kee Hawks to a 3-1 Class 1A semifinal win over AGWSR during the state softball tournament. Cedar Rapids Washington’s Isaiah Nimmers dives for the pylon against Dowling Catholic in the Class 4A state championship game. The Warriors lost the game, 49-14. Waverly-Shell Rock’s Jentry Miller waits to tag out Davenport Assumption’s Justus Burke at the plate during the Class 3A semifinals at the state baseball tournament. Iowa City High’s Bryson Runge dives at the finish line to win the 4x100 relay over Waukee’s Nihad Ejubovic at the Drake Relays. SportsSpotlight.com
Health & Fitness
ACHILLES TENDON INJURIES By Dr. Barron R. B. Bremner, D.O., Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons
Achilles was the greatest warrior of the Trojan War, as told in Homer’s Iliad. When he was a child, his mother held him by the ankle and dipped him in the river Styx to make him indestructible. The sacred waters conferred protection to him everywhere except where she had held him by his heel cord, which we now call the Achilles tendon. The lesson of this myth may be that ever person has a weakness. Two recent high-profile injuries have drawn attention to Achilles tendon ruptures; David Beckham, of the Los Angeles Galaxy, the most famous soccer player in the U.S., went down with a complete Achilles rupture while playing a game overseas. More recently two-time all Big Ten basketball player Kalin Lucas of Michigan State missed the rest of the NCAA tournament with a complete Achilles rupture. Unfortunately, Michigan State had enough talent to put a stop to the Northern Iowa Panthers. The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. It is also known as the heel cord. It functions to transfer power from the large calf muscles to the foot and ankle. The transfer of this power allows us to sprint and jump. During running, we put ten-times our body weight in force across the tendon. The Achilles is nourished by several blood vessels, and these vessels are fewest about 1-2 inches above the heel – it is no surprise that this area of poor circulation is the most common area for rupture. Most Achilles tendon problems are less dramatic than those suffered by the star athletes noted above. Many athletes suffer from Achilles tendinosis or tendonitis. Symptoms include swelling, pain, warmth, tenderness, or even a palpable nodule around the posterior ankle. Patients may have burning while doing strenuous activity. Physical findings can also include decreased ankle range of motion (ROM) and atrophy of the calf. Treatment of Achilles tendonitis usually
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responds to a period of rest, over the counter antiinflammatory medicine, and ice. Sometimes a small heel lift placed in the shoe can relieve symptoms. If ROM deficits are noted, calf stretching is necessary. Eccentric strengthening has been shown to be particularly effective. This involves placing the toes on a step and beginning in a position with the heel above the toes (plantarflexion) and slowly lowering oneself down until the heel cord is stretched and the heel is lower than the toes (dorsiflexion). This is then repeated. Gradual return to sports is important, and cross training with bicycling and swimming can be very helpful. Cortisone shots are somewhat controversial, as they may actually weaken the tendon. One new technology currently under investigation is the use of platelet rich plasma therapy to induce healing. When conservative treatment fails, sometimes surgery is needed to clean up the diseased portions of tendon. Acute rupture of the Achilles tendon is often seen in middle-aged, “weekend warriors”. The tendon tears in half and can retract. The athlete may feel a pop, and some may look around them thinking that someone struck them in the calf. Often this happens when landing from a jump. Weakness with standing on the toes (plantarflexion) is common. Sometimes, one can palpate a defect in the tendon. One study showed that 23% of these acute ruptures were missed by the initial treating physician. If there is question of rupture, MRI can confirm a tear, but usually examination is sufficient. Treatment of Achilles ruptures is usually surgical. There is a lower re-rupture rate, improved strength, and higher percentage of patients returning to sport with surgical management. There is a role for nonsurgical management in the treatment of elderly, diabetic, or low-demand patients. This usually involves a cast placed for 4-8 weeks with gradual return to weight bearing.
Surgical treatment requires that the two torn ends of the tendon are held together with suture while the tendon heals. During this recovery time, the repair must be protected. Active ROM may be started after a week. A walking boot or cast should be worn for 4-6 weeks, sometimes with a lift under the heel. Running starts at 4 months and sports at 6 months. Dr. Bremner is an orthopaedic surgeon at DMOS – East. He also provides satellite clinic services in Ankeny. To reach Dr. Bremner or to schedule an appointment please phone 515-263-9696.
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